Why visit the dentist every six months

Do you only see a dentist when you experience some kind of pain in your teeth or gums? Since you’re already looking after your teeth with regular brushing and flossing, you may be wondering if there is a need to make periodic visits to the dentist at all.

While good oral hygiene practices at home are extremely important, it is difficult to effectively remove all plaque and tartar with normal brushing and flossing alone. Moreover, it is a good idea to regularly monitor your dental health, including your teeth and the surrounding soft tissue to ensure any concerns are identified early, to reduce the chance of developing painful ailments or medical conditions later. That’s why dentists always recommend that you visit every 6 months for a comprehensive oral examination in addition to getting your teeth professionally cleaned.

Dentists are also in the best position to clarify any doubts that you may have regarding dental hygiene and prevention of oral diseases. Using proper diagnostic tools and clinical techniques, dentists can help you to maintain your teeth and oral cavity at optimal health.

Here are some practical benefits that you can look forward to:

• Regular deep cleans for a refreshing breath
  It doesn’t take long for plaque and tartar to develop. Your dentist is able to remove stubborn plaque and tartar that accumulates in hard to reach places where normal brushing and flossing cannot. The professional cleaning regime also helps to eliminate any food remnants and bacteria lodged between the teeth and gums. That’s why a cleaning session not only improves your dental health but also refreshes your oral cavity helping to rid bad breath.
• Prevent gum disease
  Left untreated, periodontal (gum) disease can not only lead to tooth loss, but may impact overall health. Current research at the University of Sydney is focusing on interactions between periodontal disease and diseases of whole body, such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Twice yearly visits to the dentist can help prevent gum disease from progressing past the initial stages, when it can still be reversed with minimally invasive methods. This can go a long way to helping you avoid more severe concerns.
• Early detection of oral cancer 
  Periodic dental visits give you the best chance for early detection of oral cancers. Detection at an early stage, provides the greatest chance of successful treatment.

Looking for a dentist to jumpstart a healthy oral hygiene programme? Contact one of our friendly clinics